Veilan's LA Q&A

[Veilan]

Please, go ahead.

[Curmudgeon]

What is your vision for the future of ALFA? Where do we go from here?

[Veilan]

A rather open question, Mr. Curm.

What I used to mumble and ramble about was that I was seeing ALFA not as "we play NWN2", but rather, a more holistically seen community, a roof under which roleplayers and DnD enthusiasts with a common spirit - that of earnest RP, full immersion and "hardcore" permadeath environment - can gather and find game, of more sorts than just NWN 2.

To this effect, I got the greenlight of my fellow Administrators that we would support an NWN 1 campaign under our roof, helping out with ALFA's modules and haks, and that we would also support PbP games, and other stuff that our members can think of. Many of our people already treat ALFA as their "social network", and I believe that is a strength we should build upon. Having Mass Effect 3 or Diablo 3 threads and groups forming from here is great, helps us lure people in and keep up to date as a relevant community. Of course, this can only grow with interest and people having a desire for it, but what I can do in that respect is keeping our climat and spirit supportive and open.

Obviously, I would like us to further develop our unique and core strengths, things no other PW has and things that brought us here together, and use this as a hook to get more folks interested. This has to be reconciled with changing opinions, influx of new players, and new developments, but I believe so far we are doing a good job at it. I would really wish we could finally get to the launch of rideable horses, where I believe we have a good concept waiting in the wings that might surprise even the old hares with its awesomeness and not just the new blood we hope to draw with it, but that is outside my sphere of direct influence.

I also dream of an Admin team working together hand in hand while skipping over fields of poppies and daisies, everyone melded together by the love for this project and each other... okay, that is a little exaggerated, but what I hope I could instill and inspire is a continued spirit of maturity. Especially as our project grows, it will be impossible that everyone gets along with each other, and that everyone's playstyle is reconcileable, even within the hopefully diligently upheld limits of our rules and spirit. In any case, such disagreements should be dealt with in this community in a cordial and mature fashion, arbitration be based on relatively clear guidelines and expecations, and in some cases people might just have to avoid each other (while there are also many drawbacks, real estate is one advantage of having more servers in the pipes, Faerûn is a big place where everyone can live and let live).

Hopefully, we can do something to help concentration and ease crystallising in a fashion that still maintains immersion, perhaps improving upon the "seamless server" concepts - it would really feel nice to feel we are one strong brand with some different flavours for variety, not several brands, loosely confederated.

Of course, a lot of this is optimistic dreaming - but you did ask me for a "vision".

Cheers,

[Zelknolf]

I seem to be seeing a pattern of treating the DMA's views on hak contents as finalized decisions-- is this to be understood as your view being that the DMA has the authority to make decisions about the haks? If so, then what does the description of the TA domain in the charter mean, and which portion of the DMA domain covers haks? If not, then why treat those decisions as final?

Why is there yet another jab at your fellow admin's work in your platform with no matching discussion with that admin, juxtaposed with claims of quality communication and professionalism?

[CloudDancing]

As lead admin do you feel you've been able to keep your "finger" on the pulse of Alfa in regards to player issues, PA issues, and the general ebb and flow of popular opinion?

Have you been able to moderate other Admin's strongly held personal feelings and assumptions for what is for the greater good of everyone?

I see you've been playing more. Does that help you understand the playerbase's wants and needs more clearly now that you are interacting with them on a regular basis face to face?

[Veilan]

Hey Zelk,

fair and interesting questions. Thanks for the chance of clarifying them in public.

I seem to be seeing a pattern of treating the DMA's views on hak contents as finalized decisions--

I'm not quite sure what you're referring to here. I don't recall an issue about .hak decisions landing on my desk during the last term, but I could of course be mistaken. In any case, if you feel you have been receiving inappropriate pushback from DMA, there are clear procedures outlined in the charter should cordial talks fail, and I'm more than happy to mediate before we need to rely on those.

is this to be understood as your view being that the DMA has the authority to make decisions about the haks? If so, then what does the description of the TA domain in the charter mean, and which portion of the DMA domain covers haks? If not, then why treat those decisions as final?

The short version is that I am not comfortable with any Admin deciding the fate of ALFA's most important rule systems on their own.

The longer version of my opinion revolves around three different angles, those of precedence, separition of powers, and DnD.

In my opinion of interpreting the portfolios, I feel I am somewhat in agreement with the interpretation that dates back to the times of Albereth, and has been upheld by LAs such as Wynna or Rotku - and incidentally also has been shared by past TAs, such as cipher and AcadiusLost, and to name a current example, IA Hialmar. Roughly, I believe that the Admin roles are split along the branches of power we all know: DMA and PA are legislative Administrations, who make the rules that govern our storytelling and membership respectively (with attached procedures for enforcement). The LA, to me, seems to be a judicative instance - the only true LA powers granted by the charter all have to do with dissolving conflicts between other Admin positions (portfolio dispute resolution), and to act as a safety check (veto authority). The IA and TA seem to be the executive branch: They cook up and implement the systems we use to translate our vision of the game into existance, possessing expertise and knowledge of what can and can't work and how to make it happen in the most productive fashion that still allows future development.

This means that in practice, something such as haks, would ideally be influenced by several Admins: The DMs, represented by the DMA, are the arbiters of the game world, they need to have a say whether something fits our campaign or not. The PA, depending on the issue in question, might have an opinion representing the players that sit at our virtual gaming table, and find out whether that change / addition is even desired by them. The TA, finally, having the responsibility of implementation, has the expertise and knowledge to know how the system could or could not work, how to make it happen, and has broad authority over what technical solution is used to make the agreed-upon solution happen. Of course, more or less Admins might be required depending on the issue - if the vault is touched, the IA will be required, and the LA might be needed to supply guidance, leadership or dig out precedence, and in negative examples mediate conflicts arising from the process.

I am quite clearly unwilling to say that TA could dictacte, say, how we award xp in a new system, just as I am very much unwilling for DMA to dictate a system that is an extreme unwieldy pain in the behind to implement, and where more elegant solutions might exist. As a rough simplification, our legislative Admins might say what and our executive Admins might say how - where I obviously believe that, with a constructive discussion and cross-pollination between the branches, all sides will respect the opinion of the others and let it influence their own decisions. This, in my eyes, seems to have worked fairly well; as evidence I point to the fact that charter provision 2.1.2: "Cross-Domain Issues" has never been invoked by any Admin - and not only during my last term, but actually since I took office. (And I believe it was not required during kmj's time either, but I did not research this.)

I am quite willing to admit that this may not always be fun for everyone involved, however, I believe the point of serving as Administrator is not a question of privilege, but one of duty. Sure, the IA might balk if we determine to use a new vault system that is additional work for him, but that makes life easier for his fellow Administrators and ALFA players. He might have to bite into the sour apple and implement it anyway, even against his personal choice / interest. And as a mature individual in a responsible position of leadership, IA Hialmar actually has proven he was willing to do this. TA might not like having to implement calls that might go against personal taste too. And DMA might not enjoy learning that some envisioned DM helps are not feasible technically. PA might not enjoy having to deal with disputes. And LA might very certainly not enjoy having to review those pages upon pages of dispute process once a veto is formally being requested by one party. That is why being an Administrator is not about power, prestige or privilege, but about giving a service - a times a sacrifice - to the community, one that on occasion makes us frustrated or angry, but which is fueled by our heartfelt dedication to this project and its success, and not our own private satisfaction in every thing we have to do. I believe I speak from personal experience there - I had a lot more fun working as Staff Heads of Standards, and I have certainly been tempted, during lengthy and especially irritating dispute reviews, to try to apply for that position again. I cannot hold it against any of the Admins who've given up after one term or resigned upon realising that being Admin does not mean you can translate your personal vision 1:1 upon ALFA. If there is a reasonable way to improve upon our system here, I would embrace it - but we seem to be set up as a zero-sum-game by the charter, and I believe that despite the friction, there is some wisdom in this.

Letting this sink a moment... on to the final philosophical angle that is my personal opinion here.

I think we are playing DnD, and one of the tenets of DnD is that the DM is the arbiter of the game world. Does that mean a dicatorship? Certainly not. But I believe, if we ask ourselves in an honest fashion, then we all believe that the game functions best when the DM is in command - at the end of the day, it is the only way to maintain the magic behind the curtain and remain honest and in accordance with the spirit of the game we play. I am not saying I am an uncritical proponent of DM power, I am very much aware that in a project such as ALFA there needs to be comprehensive training, firm standards and a strict enforcement of discipline that we demand and require - precisely because DMs must be the people we want to comfortably trust with a somewhat broad authority over our game. This is not to say I am willing to let the DMA's office dictate the course of all of ALFA's systems (and I neither believe this has happened nor is happening), but it does mean that key decisions on the game-design, not the technical, angle of our gameworld need to at least have the DMA's approval - and ideally the input of the PA, TA, and all admins really. I think the TA would listen to the HDMs' input on some technical aspects too - but, by and large, I suppose the DMA would be within his right to say that servers using, e.g., unapproved crafting systems, or that have no -6 bleeding safety script, are not up to ALFA live standards. Of course, seeing how we all volunteered to serve the community in a leadership position, we ought to be able to find ways to build upon this common ground without resorting to rules-lawyering.

Why is there yet another jab at your fellow admin's work in your platform with no matching discussion with that admin, juxtaposed with claims of quality communication and professionalism?

I actually have the highest respect for all of my fellow Administrators (even that Hialmar guy, though he never causes any entertaining drama anymore), and am unsure what could be interpreted as a "jab". I have a direct way of speaking my mind, so I'm pretty willing to accept I might have written something not too diplomatic somewhere, so I'd be happy for your pointers.

As for communication, yes, I am pretty convinced of that - you came to me when you had a problem with Curm's handling of an incident, and IA, PA and DMA all frequently ask my input and address concerns - usually before they become problems, which thus, they often enough never become. Now, in internet communications, I usually need to see some smoke to detect a fire, so if there are troubles and concerns, I would like to note that in german, we not only have an information "Holschuld" (obligation to gather), but also a "Bringeschuld" (obligation to bring) - if there are quiet grumblings about some issue, while another is being willingly, and I believe, constructively discussed, then I might merrily whistle and think things are going well without being none the wiser . I just claim I'm willing to communicate, and actually communicating - I don't claim omniscience. And I don't think you people would want me to know all your thoughts .

Anyway, thanks again for the critical questions!

Cheers,

[Veilan]

Hey Cloud!

As lead admin do you feel you've been able to keep your "finger" on the pulse of Alfa in regards to player issues, PA issues, and the general ebb and flow of popular opinion?

Yes, I believe so. I fully acknowledge I have an obstacle here: That of my timezone. However, my inbox is open, I occasionally skype with ALFAns (and invite everyone to drop me a line who's interested), and I even log in from work to remain in chat to increase my availability for hot-button issues or just general socialising.

I have many people whom I consider "friends" for long years here, spread through all our timezones, and that also helps to keep me in the loop about what is happening in ALFA.

As for PA issues, which you asked about specifically, yes, I've been kept in the loop as well - with Rotku, as well with danielmn, there's a spirit of collegiality and I usually get a heads-up when something is cooking. Keep in mind however that to exercise the final authority of a possible veto in an unbiased and uncompromised fashion, I keep my distance from disputes and processes, and stay out and above those until such a time that my attention is officially required... praying every time that it is not .

Back to the pulse, I've invented the system of mood gauges to give me a broad idea and allow people to voice their concerns directly. This has been an invaluable help in determining my priorities, and I am still somewhat startled that I was the first fellow here to come up with them.

By and large, from what I observed, people seem willing to approach me and talk to me, and I have been positively surprised that even people that I thought had a personal dislike of me have sought my counsel and help.

So, yeah, I don't think I live behind the moon .

Have you been able to moderate other Admin's strongly held personal feelings and assumptions for what is for the greater good of everyone?

I would like to think so. Strongly held personal feelings usually mean someone is passionate about something, and that can be a positive force that can be channeled. In any case, you will excuse me if I do not give a concrete example, but such issues are usually quite close to the heart, and I would feel I'd damage my capacity to do so in the future by revealing the nature and topic of such moderation.

I see you've been playing more. Does that help you understand the playerbase's wants and needs more clearly now that you are interacting with them on a regular basis face to face?

Playing is a good way to recharge the batteries. I cannot do as much of it as I would like, but yes, I think being "in the fray" and mingling with other players allows for a better understanding of the facts "on the ground".

However, there is a small danger of a trap here, namely that of generalising one's own playing experience - and in a successful and expansive project such as ALFA, this can never be entirely accurate. Still, I feel it helps me to relate and partake in the common experience, and I just love meeting and seeing the new characters we seem to have had an influx of of late, even in such remote areas as TSM . It helps me feel this project is alive and vibrant - and that just is a good motivator.

I hope answered the main thrusts of your questions, and thank you for them.

Cheers,

[danielmn]

If you could shoot an Alfan in the face, which one would it be...other than Hialmar?

[Cast_No_Shadow]

Here's a question.

What's ALFA's biggest problem right now? Or if you think problem is too strong a word, what's the area it could improve in most. And, what do you plan to do about it?

[Dorn]

Do you believe the existing rules and standards of alfa are being applied rigorously enough to protect the game as we know it?

In terms of your leadsership role (as lead admin) in interpreting and representing the whole communities interests, what would be the 'direction' you would given each of the admin and their teams?

Thanks for your continuing work for ALFA.

[Veilan]

If you could shoot an Alfan in the face, which one would it be...other than Hialmar?

Since you asked first, you get to be shot first.

[Veilan]

Hey CNS,

it's great to see you back here!

Here's a question.

What's ALFA's biggest problem right now? Or if you think problem is too strong a word, what's the area it could improve in most. And, what do you plan to do about it?

There are always problems that arise and need to be dealt with as we go, some bigger some smaller. So, to find one that is more overarching...

What I think ALFA's biggest general challenge for the present and intermediate future is, would be what I mentioned in my platform - aligning our mission of an admittedly niche world, with perma-death, low advancement and controlled gear and wealth with the expansion and increase in membership we see. We do not have an OAS anymore, we do not have RP 101 anymore, and we do not have other forms of clear-cut counselling and guidelines, so there is a bit of a problem in adjusting new people's expectations with our realities. We want to continue to expand and thrive on the influx of fresh blood, roleplayers and volunteers to enrich our community, but we always knew that ALFA is a bit of an oddity in the PW community, with such as things as "when you're logged in, you are always IC" or an elected Administration, that nevertheless is bound to a well-fortified charter and strong pillars codifying our essence.

It is not always easy to bridge this. I plan to have a staff head to help with this, Heero, and I will also do my best to support PA's efforts here, making accessible our rules and spirit more easily, and taking people's hands and fetching them where they stand when they come here. Furthermore, quizzing new members about their hurdles and experiences, and listening to their input, will help guide us there, as will listening to the DM team about what kind of new problems they see, or what they experienced to work well.

Mostly, the LA's office can't do much on its own, so I'll have to lean on, encourage and help the other Administrators, but I am reasonably sure that I can guide their attention onto these challenges and come up with a smart idea or two of my own - such as actually asking people .

Cheers and thanks for your questions,

[Veilan]

Oy Dorn.

Do you believe the existing rules and standards of alfa are being applied rigorously enough to protect the game as we know it?

I am not entirely certain. I do think we have become a little cozy in some instances, where, with a small, relatively sleepy population, we knew everyone knew each other and people just tried to get along. Many of our rules are ambiguous and assume "we know it when we see it", but we do have a lot of hesitation and equivocating and even waffling on some core tenets, which is normal, and can even be natural and healthy, but I believe we need to try to get some clarity in there. Relying on the interpretations of people is dangerous, we should rather rely on rules that are somewhat less ambiguous. I still think that by and large we know the kind of game we come looking for here in ALFA, and should not be afraid to point people another direction if they are an ill fit. After all, ALFA is a niche product, designed to cater to our tastes - it should not try to fall into the "mainstream" trap: diluting our core vision and game in order to attract an ever broader audience, and then suddenly finding out that we're not fulfilling our purpose anymore. I think mostly, we have been managing to avoid elitism, and been able to grow our membership and project without losing the core vision, but we should still not be ashamed to gun for being elite. After all, not many PWs manage to show ALFA's resilience and strength while offering such a unique product - which we do not owe solely to our pragmatism and ability to implement slow but steady change and improvements, but also to our adherence to the founding principles of the project.

In terms of your leadsership role (as lead admin) in interpreting and representing the whole communities interests, what would be the 'direction' you would given each of the admin and their teams?

A very good question. I have in fact thought about the kind of "homework" I wanted to give each Administration should I be re-elected, but my plan was to do this more quietly, so as not to step on anyone's toes in a manner seen as confrontational.

However, since you asked, I will give a hint at those directions here. Please note that my ability to enact this is based mostly on persuasion, and the vague threat of LA's nuclear arsenal (that no sane person would strive to employ); the interpretation that the Lead Admin is Der Führer is not strongly supported by our Charter. It is more of a failsafe, but I agree with you that it is valuable to supply some direction.

In any case, for myself, I've resolved to doing a better job with our community postings, and keep us "alive" in the public sphere (well, at least that of the NWN 2 community) better. Lucky break as we got, it seems Dyslexic_Author is willing to do a podcast for us on http://www.nwnpodcast.com, and who knows, maybe we can come up with something more regular, volunteers and time allowing.

I'll mention the PA next, as he has the toughest job overall. I would counsel him to clarify some of our rules, perhaps with more examples, and also suggest that we widen the arsenal of tools at our disposal - just giving out strikes is a very broad-brush thing that may not even help the issue at hand. I think the current PA is very conducive to that, so I may be knocking on open doors here.

The DMA I would advise to take DM training & discipline a little more seriously. Brokenbone seems to be doing a good job with training, but the procedure how to deal with player complaints about DM conduct seems flakey, perhaps some clarification or more stringency there could help. That is in no way a jab at our excellent DM corps, but I think it would be in their interest too if resolutions and processes were clearer.

For the TA, I'd probably suggest thinking about what we can do to improve documentation and cooperation with the HDMs of current and future servers - while the techies are doing a marvellous job, and seem to have gotten better there, there may still be room for improvement.

For the IA, I'm using the audience joker: What do you think could be improved here?

Thanks for your continuing work for ALFA.

You're welcome.

Cheers,

[danielmn]

Well, the sick bastards voted you in again.

Congrates. *offers up pistol with one bullet*

[Swift]

Well, the sick bastards voted you in again.

Congrates. *offers up pistol with one bullet*

We do it because we hate him, especially me